North Carolina 2026 Elections Guide

Everything you need to know about voting in North Carolina for the 2026 midterm elections.

Important Dates for North Carolina Voters

Mar 3
Primary Election
Oct 5
Registration Deadline
Oct 21-31
Early Voting
Nov 3
Election Day

North Carolina Senate Race

North Carolina Senate Competitive
Thom Tillis (R)
Last updated: Mar 15, 2026

North Carolina is one of the most closely watched Senate races in 2026. With control of the Senate potentially decided by just a few seats, this race will determine which party controls the chamber and sets the legislative agenda.

North Carolina Governor Race

North Carolina will elect its governor in 2026. Current status: Competitive. The governor controls state policy on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and many other issues that directly affect daily life.

Ballot Measures in North Carolina

North Carolina voters will decide on 3 ballot measures in 2026. These citizen-initiated and legislative proposals will determine state policy on issues ranging from taxation to civil rights to environmental protection.

Ballot measure details will be added as official language is published by the North Carolina Secretary of State. Check back for plain-English explanations of each measure.

How to Vote in North Carolina

Register to Vote

You must be registered to vote by October 9, 2026. You can register online, by mail, or in person at your county elections office.

Early Voting

Early voting in North Carolina runs from October 15-31, 2026. You can vote early at designated polling locations in your county.

Election Day Voting

Polls are open on Election Day, November 3, 2026. Find your polling place using your voter registration card or your county election website.

Mail-In Voting

North Carolina allows mail-in voting. Request your ballot early to ensure it arrives in time. Your ballot must be received (not just postmarked) by Election Day.

Key Issues in North Carolina

The 2026 elections in North Carolina will likely focus on several key issues:

Congressional Districts

North Carolina has multiple US House districts, all up for election in 2026. Your specific ballot will depend on which congressional district you live in. Use our ballot lookup tool to see your specific races.

State Legislature Races

In addition to federal races, North Carolina voters will elect members of the state House and Senate. These legislators make laws on everything from taxes to transportation to public safety.

Resources for North Carolina Voters